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Glory edged out by champions

PS4 National Premier League WA champions Bayswater City were made to work hard for a 1-0 win against Perth Glory at Inglewood Stadium at the weekend.

Former Glory midfielder Todd Howarth scored the winner late in the first half, but City couldn’t break down a Glory defence with keeper Jordan Franken in great form.

“We are growing each week and we are improving each week, even though the results don’t say that” Glory Coach John Gibson said.

“We brought on Michael McDougall, who is only 16 and he did a great job for us, and it’s a real positive for our program that we are implementing at the club.

“Full credit to the boys, we were punching so far above ourselves, but the player group was just tremendous.”

It was a tight opening, but Bayswater created the better chances.

Former Glory Youth winger Bor Bor Sam was a constant threat. His delivery from the flanks was superb, but on a number of occasions there was no one in the box to get the final touch.

Glory were giving as good as they got, and Gian Albano fed Slobodan Vulin, but the striker fired wide of the target.

David Heagney went close to the opener on the quarter hour, after holding off his marker, but Franken produced a stunning save.

But on 34 minutes Bayswater's pressure was rewarded, and they hit the front.

A long clearance from Devon Spence caused hesitation between Franken and his defenders, and Howarth nipped in, to head over the keeper.

Glory went close to levelling just before the break; Sam McKearnan’s low cross was only inches away from Stefan Valentini, with the goal at his mercy.

Perth continued to play its game after the break and Spence had to be alert to save Vulin’s free kick early.

Michael McDougall, came on at half time to replace Valentini, and the 16-year-old almost levelled late, he was sent clear and was one-on-one with Spence, but the Bayswater custodian stood tall to save.

Bayswater City’s assistant coach and former Glory midfielder Travis Dodd also had praise for Perth Glory.

“Even though they are a young side they’re not a team that can be pushed over easily,” he said.